More Blogs Worth Checking Out

Aside from being a sports junkie, I can gladly say I LOVE food (who doesn’t). Therefore, I thoroughly enjoyed several blogs from my fellow classmates. Juliza Monterroso combines two of her loves (fashion and food) to create a creative, fun, and entertaining blog. I loved the sweet treats on her blogs and her post about daquris instantly put me in the mood to just lay by the pool and sip on one of these refreshing drinks. Gillian Finklea then shows us that eating delicious food doesn’t have to mean gaining a whole new jean size. I really want to try the detox diet she mentions, my body definitely deserves an apology for some of the stuff I eat. Another blog I found extremely interesting and fun was Maria Tridas’ blog on local places around Gainesville. I’ve been trying to make it a point in the last few months to eat soley at local places unique to Gainesville. I want to take advantage of all the hidden treasures around us as oppose to continuously going to the same chain restaurants that can be found in every city in America. Her page is basically a road map to all the local places worth trying around town, almost like a personal Urbanspoon. Just talking about these blogs is making me work up an appetite, but sadly I have nothing in my refrigerator or pantry that sounds appealing. 

Paynes Prairie

The past few weeks have had some interesting nights for stargazers. First, there were amazing Northern Lights that could be seen throughout the Northern part of North America, and last week I was able to spot Mars and Venus in close proximity at night. Although I was able to see the planets, the stars weren’t so easy to spot because of all the lights in my neighborhood back home. However, Gainesville has one of the most beautiful stargazing spots I’ve ever seen- Paynes Prairie. Although, it’s recently been in the news for all the fog and brushfires which caused an awful car accident on the Interstate, Paynes Prairie offers beautiful sights for students and families at the University of Florida. Just about 10 minutes South of campus, it’s a great place to go camping, ride your bike, or simply hang out with nature. I’ve had picnics in the park with my dance team and we had a great time looking for the wild animals in the area. And at night, the entire sky is filled with countless stars- honestly it’s breathtaking. I strongly suggest everyone take the time while they’re at UF to do something out of the ordinary and spend the day (or night) at Paynes Prairie.

Picture Courtesy of paynesprairie.net

FTK... For The Kids

Probably the most well-known philanthropy at the University of Florida is our annual Dance Marathon. Sororities, Fraternities, student organizations, and individual students take part in this 26.2 hour long event. Proceeds from the event and all things DM, go towards the Children's Miracle Network at Shands Hospital at UF. Dancers have to stay on their feet the whole time which becomes quite a challenge around hour thirteen, but at least they have countless activities to keep them entertained along the way.  And the most popular of these activities is the Line Dance. Above is the 2011 DM Line Dance. Although I have never participated as a dancer, I have been a staff member at the event every year. Aside from being a UF tradition, Dance Marathon is an experience like no other. Seeing the crowds of students in their colorful attire all 26 hours, and hearing the stories of families that have been affected by the Children's Miracle Network is unbelievably touching. Once you've been a part of Dance Marathon, it's hard to stop. And if you're unable to physically participate in Dance Marathon, you can participate by learning about the event and donate to the cause. And remember... it's For The Kids.

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